Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)

If you’re looking for a hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting goodness of pasta, look no further than cheeseburger pasta casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Cheeseburger pasta casserole boasts a bevy of reasons to fall in love with it:

1. Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Family-Friendly: It’s a surefire hit with kids and adults alike, satisfying picky eaters and food lovers.
3. Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to cater to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
4. Comfort Food at its Best: Rich, cheesy, and hearty, this casserole delivers all the characteristics you crave in comfort food.

Ingredients

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb short pasta (like elbow macaroni or shells)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 is ideal)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 15 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

A hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with comforting pasta, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb short pasta (like elbow macaroni or shells) Use your favorite short pasta.
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 is ideal) Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish.
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced) Diced onion adds flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) Garlic enhances the flavor.
• 15 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained) Canned tomatoes add moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth Use low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided) Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
• 1/2 cup whole milk Creates a creamy sauce.
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
• Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Variations include adding diced pickles or mustard for extra cheeseburger flavor. Storage: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It freezes well for future meals. Serving suggestions: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.

Keyword Casserole, Cheeseburger Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

• Variations: Consider adding diced pickles or mustard for an extra layer of cheeseburger flavor. Alternatively, mix in some diced bell peppers for a nutritional boost and crunch.
• Storage: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for meals on demand.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger pasta casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish will certainly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.